The idiom "drop-dead gorgeous" means very attractive. It describes someone so good-looking that people cannot help but notice or admire them.

In short:

• "Drop-dead gorgeous" is an idiom that means very attractive.
• It can be used to describe people, animals, places, or things.
• It is often used as a compliment or an exaggeration.

What Does "Drop-Dead Gorgeous" Mean?

The idiom "drop-dead gorgeous" is composed of two parts: "drop-dead" and "gorgeous." Combining these two words, we get "drop-dead gorgeous," which means extremely attractive, causing people to faint or die from admiration.

Some variations and related expressions of this idiom are:

• Drop-dead beautiful
• Drop-dead handsome
• Drop-dead cute
• Drop-dead sexy
• To die for

Where Does "Drop-Dead Gorgeous" Come From?

The origin and history of the idiom "drop-dead gorgeous" are unclear, but according to some sources, it has been used in America since the 1960s. "Fashions from Florence not drop-dead" was a headline in The New York Herald-Tribune in 1962.

The phrase struck a chord with many people and became popular in the 1990s and 2000s. It was used in many movies, songs, books, and magazines to describe celebrities, models, characters, and ordinary people who were beautiful.

10 Examples of "Drop-Dead Gorgeous" in Sentences

Here are some examples of using the idiom "drop-dead gorgeous" in different sentences, demonstrating different contexts and situations:

• He was head over heels for her at the party. She was drop-dead gorgeous in the red dress.
• The view from the top of the mountain was drop-dead gorgeous. It was a sight to behold.
• She had a fatal attraction to him since high school. He was drop-dead handsome, intelligent, and funny.
• The cake he made for my birthday was drop-dead gorgeous. It was delicious too! I couldn't ask for more.
• Yaas! She adopted a puppy from the shelter. It was drop-dead cute, with fluffy fur and big eyes.
• She felt drop-dead sexy in her new lingerie. She couldn't wait to surprise her husband.
• The car he bought is drop-dead gorgeous. It has all the bells and whistles of a top-of-the-line unit.
• She won the lottery and bought a house in Hawaii. It was drop-dead gorgeous, with a big garden and a pool to bask in the sun.
• He had a date with a girl he met online. She turned out to be drop-dead gorgeous.
• The movie they watched was drop-dead gorgeous. Quite frankly, a hidden gem.

Examples of "Drop-Dead Gorgeous" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how "drop-dead gorgeous" has been used in pop culture:

• In the movie Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999), a mockumentary about a teen beauty pageant, one of the contestants says: "I'm not going to say anything about the other girls, but Amber Atkins is a good friend of mine, and she's drop-dead gorgeous."
• In the song Drop Dead Gorgeous (2005), by Kanye West, featuring Murphy Lee, the chorus goes: "She's so fine / She's so fine / She's so fine / She blows my mind / She's drop dead gorgeous."
• In the book Bridget Jones's Diary (1996) by Helen Fielding, Bridget (Renee Zellweger) writes: "Daniel Cleaver has just walked into the office looking drop-dead gorgeous in a charcoal suit and tie."

Other Ways to Say "Drop-Dead Gorgeous"

The idiom "drop-dead gorgeous" is not the only way to express admiration or attraction for someone or something attractive.

Here are some examples of other ways to say drop-dead gorgeous:

• Stunning
• Breathtaking
• Ravishing
• Dazzling
• Exquisite
• Magnificent
• Divine
• Gorgeous

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Drop-Dead Gorgeous"

Here are some frequently asked questions about the idiom drop-dead gorgeous and their answers:

• What does "drop-dead gorgeous" mean?

It describes someone so good-looking that people cannot help but notice or admire them.

• What is the origin of "drop-dead gorgeous"?

The origin and history of the idiom "drop-dead gorgeous" are unclear, but according to some sources, it has been used in America since the 1960s.

• What are some synonyms for "drop-dead gorgeous"?

Some synonyms for "drop-dead gorgeous" are stunning, breathtaking, enchanting, dazzling, exquisite, magnificent, divine, and lovely. These words have similar meanings to "drop-dead gorgeous" but may have different connotations or nuances.

• What are some antonyms for "drop-dead gorgeous"?

Some antonyms for "drop-dead gorgeous" are ugly, hideous, repulsive, disgusting, revolting, vile, and despicable. These words have opposite meanings to "drop-dead gorgeous" and mean very unattractive or unpleasant.

• Is "drop-dead gorgeous" formal or informal?

"Drop-dead gorgeous" is an informal idiom mainly used in casual or conversational settings. It is not appropriate to use it in formal or academic contexts, such as essays, reports, speeches, etc.

• Can you use "drop-dead gorgeous" for places?

Yes, you can use "drop-dead gorgeous" for places. However, it is more common to use stunning, breathtaking, dazzling, exquisite, magnificent, or divine for places. These words mean impressive, unique, brilliant, refined, grand, or perfect.

• Can you use "drop-dead gorgeous" for animals?

Yes, you can use "drop-dead gorgeous" for animals. However, it is more common to use drop-dead cute for animals. Drop-dead cute means very cute or adorable.

• Can you use "drop-dead gorgeous" for men?

Yes, you can use "drop-dead gorgeous" for men. However, it is more common to use drop-dead handsome for men. Drop-dead handsome means very handsome or attractive.

• Is "drop-dead gorgeous" a compliment?

Yes, "drop-dead gorgeous" is usually a compliment. However, depending on the tone and context of the speaker, it could also be sarcastic, ironic, or exaggerated.

• What is the difference between "drop-dead gorgeous" and "drop-dead beautiful"?

There is not much difference between these two idioms. They both mean very beautiful or attractive. However, "drop-dead gorgeous" may imply more attractiveness than beauty, while drop-dead beautiful may imply more beauty than attractiveness.

Final Thoughts About "Drop-Dead Gorgeous"

"Drop-dead gorgeous" is a colorful and expressive idiom to say someone or something is attractive. In addition, it can show appreciation, admiration, attraction, or exaggeration for someone or something.

Some basic details about the meaning of the idiom are:

• It is composed of two parts: drop-dead and gorgeous.
• Drop-dead means excellent or stunning and can be an adjective or adverb.
• Gorgeous means very beautiful, and it comes from the French word gorgias.
• It is an informal idiom used primarily in casual or conversational settings.